The need for Language
Language is an expression of yourself. Language is an important part of the thinking process. Everyone needs to speak to and listen to our children to help them develop these skills. This along with the learning environment will help the child with articulation, enunciation and punctuation. In a Montessori environment a child is able to learn at his own pace. The materials and the environment give him the tools to develop the skills needed for communication, expression, organization and thought development.
In the Montessori environment, through our early lessons of Grace and Courtesy use precise, correct and positive language to direct and redirect student behavior. Activities and materials are often presented with few words so we are able to draw attention and give importance to the words that are spoken. In the Montessori environment, speech is slow and deliberate, giving the child every opportunity to understand the exact meaning and creating clear and perfect stimuli.
In the classroom we encourage children to use their words by modelling. ‘Shawn’ goes to the language shelf and selects the fruits, he brings the basket of fruit to the ellipse, sets it down, then walks to the basket of mats, picks one up and brings it to where he left the fruit. He lays the mat down and unrolls it. I ask him if he would like a lesson he says yes. I pick up the apple hold it in my hand and say ‘apple, the apple is red’. I hand Shawn the apple and repeat ‘apple’. Shawn looks at the apple in his hand and says ‘apple’ This process allows Shawn to refine his ability to pronounce words and to understand words.
At home it is recommended that parents and caretakers of infants and toddlers to refrain from using baby talk as it inhibits language development. Dr. Montessori emphasized speaking slowly and clearly with correct pronunciation and enunciation so that children develop proper language patterns. It is also very important to read and...